The purpose of this study is to analyze the present condition and management status
of bands in schools for the visually impaired and consequently, to find out ways to
activate bands activities. To achieve the goal, in the research, music teachers working
at twelve schools for the visually impaired throughout the nation were surveyed and
analyzed.
To summarize the results of the investigation is as follows.
First, the present band of the schools for the visually impaired consists largely of
less than fifteen members including elementary school, middle school and high school
students, and its purpose was to encourage exciting hobbies in students with visual
impairment.
Second, looking at the management status of schools for the visually impaired, five
performances were held in a year and the individual practice time was half an hour a
day. The musical instruments were well equiped. Pieces of music arranged by
teachers were largely used, the annual budget was less than ten million won mainly
from school finance. The instructions for an individual and a small group were usually
done by music teachers and instructors in charge of each musical instrument. Teachers
felt that they were good enough to instruct students, and if not, they generally received
support from instructors out of school. The lack of practice time was the most serious
problem in the band instruction, followed by regular classes and duties in charge.
Also, band activities helped students to increase their confidence. Finally, to vitalize the bands of schools for the visually impaired, mutual exchanges
with bands in general schools(especially in high schools) were mostly requested.
Also, teachers’ training on how to manage a band and instruct music braille was
highly demanded. It was important to lead students to aggressively participate in a
band activity and fully secure the rehearsal time. In terms of further support, the
establishment of ensembles with visual impairment and relevant support would be
needed.